How to prepare your home for sale

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As spring temperatures rise, so does excitement in the housing market - making now a great time to get your home ready for a standout sale.

Discover how you can create a welcoming space that showcases your home’s best features and attracts the right buyer.

Clear the clutter

Decluttering before selling not only helps make your home more appealing but also simplifies the packing process when it’s time to move. It's smart to start packing early as it often takes longer than you think.

Begin by re-homing items you no longer use or those that won’t fit into your new space. Pack what you can and store boxes out of sight but avoid leaving the house too bare as it should still feel warm and inviting so buyers can picture themselves living there.

Store bulky furniture that makes rooms feel cramped and pull other pieces slightly away from the walls - a small trick that makes rooms appear more spacious.

If you’re overwhelmed with packing, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Friends and family can make light work of it, and moving companies or decluttering services can be a great option too. For more tips on decluttering, explore the insights of organising and downsizing expert Peter Walsh here.

Enhance street appeal

Make sure your home looks its best from the street, as this will help entice potential buyers to take a look inside.

Ensure trees are trimmed, gutters are clear, lawns and berms are mowed, and the gardens are freshly weeded. If your garden is overgrown, consider removing old shrubs and replanting with something easy care. Potted plants are a simple way to bring vibrancy and life to your outdoor spaces.

Fix any broken fences and give them a lick of paint or fence stain to brighten them up. If the windows and trims on your house look a bit tired, it's also worth painting them. Little details, like cleaning the letterbox and driveway, can help too. Using a water blaster on paths, stairs, gates, and the house exterior works wonders to clear away any winter buildup of mould and mildew.

Clean, clean, clean

When buyers tour your property, they may look in places you don't expect - on window sills and behind the backs of curtains for mould or inside your fridge, pantry, and bathroom cabinets. Keeping kitchens, bathrooms and window sills spotless helps people focus on the home itself rather than being distracted by concerns about cleanliness.

To renovate or not?

Renovations can be costly, stressful and time-consuming, so they’re only worth making if they’ll add significant value to your house sale. Before you dive in, consider carefully whether the investment will pay off in the final sale.

A good real estate agent will be able to advise you on what changes, if any, to make. Sometimes just decluttering, a deep clean and a little light maintenance around the property is all that’s needed.

It's beneficial to tackle small repairs that give your home a well-maintained feel. Fix leaky taps, replace worn-out light bulbs, touch up any wall marks or holes, and ensure windows and doors work smoothly.

Stage your home for sale

If your budget allows, consider a staging company to furnish and style your home in the most buyer-friendly way so you can secure the best sale price. Home-staging professionals have access to furnishings that can present your home in a way that appeals to buyers.

If your budget doesn't allow for staging, you can stage your home yourself by decluttering and showcasing your nicest furniture. Finishing touches such as throw rugs and cushions, plants and artwork can make the space feel more inviting.

Tips for your open home

You've completed all the maintenance jobs, tidied the garden, decluttered throughout, and now it's time for your first open home.

Check everything is sparkling clean from top to bottom and consider buying some flowers to display. Tuck away personal items so that buyers can imagine themselves in your home, but keep things that enhance the look like a stylish hand soap in the bathroom or a modern mixer in the kitchen. If you have pets, arrange for them to be out of the house during the open home, and stow any pet-related items out of sight.

Don’t overlook the scent of your home, as strong odours can be a turn-off for potential buyers. Cooking smells from pungent foods, pet odours, and lingering smoke can leave a lasting impression. Consider creating a welcoming aroma by lighting a candle or baking something simple. And a few hours before your open home, open the windows to let in fresh air, ensuring your space feels inviting.

Also, think about the temperature of your home. On cold days, close the windows and turn up the heat before guests arrive. If it's hot outside, switch on the cooling to keep things comfortable.

Preparing your home for sale takes some effort, but thoughtful touches like a tidy garden and clutter-free rooms create a welcoming space where buyers can imagine themselves. With a little planning, you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale.